Johannesburg - South African cruiserweight Thabiso Mchunu has been matched against American Garrett Wilson in Connecticut, US, with the prospect of a WBC title shot if he wins the bout on September 20.
South African promoter Damian Michael announced on Tuesday that his Showpony organisation, along with Kathy Duva's Main Events Promotions, will stage the NBC internationally televised tournament in September.
“Thabiso is already rated the number-two contender for the WBC title held by Krzysztof Wlodarczyk,” Michael said.
“We have been promised a title fight against the Polish-born champion as long as Thabiso comes through his meeting with the durable Wilson unscathed.”
A devastating Mchunu first hit the headlines when he demolished all opposition in last year's “Super Six” tournament at Emperors Palace.
The tournament included two stunning first-round knock-outs of the previously highly vaunted Flo Simba.
Mchunu followed this up by catching the attention of the international boxing fraternity when he accounted for former heavyweight title contender Eddie Chambers, with a clear-cut and convincing points victory in August 2013 in the US.
“Not many South Africans have been able to annex a title from an organisation with the respect and recognition of the WBC,” Michael said of the prospect of a title fight.
“This could mean the beginning of big things for one of the most talented, all-round boxers in the country.
“The ultimate objective is to secure unification bouts with the titleholders of the other main boxing organisations if Thabiso becomes WBC champion and cash in on his talent in the lucrative American market.”
Mchunu continued his campaign in the US by beating Olanrewaju Durodola for the North American Federation title earlier this year, proving his drawing credentials on the American TV circuit.
“We're not taking anything for granted because Wilson is not known as a tough guy for nothing and one punch can torpedo a boxer's career in this game,” Michael said.
“But I'm convinced Mchunu will be too strong for him and he will go on to prove my assertion that he is capable of beating any cruiserweight in the world and establish himself as South Africa's number-one boxer.”
Sapa